Buying Reusable Cloth Pads: Points to Be Considered

The word “Reusable” itself specifies the call for cleaning, caring and proper storage of a product in order to ensure it is Hygienic and long lasting for the long run.

After sharing my first experience on the usage of cloth pads that are gaining much popularity on grounds of eco-friendly and sustainable menstruation and are easily available online, these are though expensive but a one-time investment. Now before making such an investment it is important for every consumer to ensure and plan properly in order to make the purchase completely meaningful. So here we go with the following points:

Get mentally prepared – Now that you have taken a decision to opt for an Eco friendly option, be firm and open about it. In today’s era being modern is all about going back to basics with an advanced approach. Let me explain it little better: a) Ancient women used Cloth; b) then in the 1990s era came the pads,

so the equation for 2017 is a) x b)

i.e. Cloth x Pad= Cloth Pads

So Completely Modern and updated; Hence Proved 🙂

Plan your routine – Find out the washing time in your schedule. Make it a habit to wash immediately after use or collect soiled pads and wash them all at once. Find out by trial and experimentation what works out best for you and freeze a routine which suits you. For more details refer my previous article explaining cleaning, washing and storage Here.

Understand your flow – It is important to analyze and understand how many pads you require in a cycle on each of the days. Which days your flow is heavy, light and spotting. Though every brand offers a customized full cycle kit, but it’s not necessary that it should meet your requirements.

Consider your requirements – As said above, keeping in mind your flow you may want to check on the varieties available in the market such as pads with and without leak-proof layer, ready to use pads or pads with extra inserts, thickness etc.

Research Material used in Different brands – Waterproof lining is one thing to consider, but also consider whether you want a top layer of cotton, cotton flannel or combed cotton on your pads. Cotton will tend to feel colder, while flannel feels warmer. If you associate coldness with wetness, flannel may be a better option for you. However, cotton has a smoother texture more similar to most underwear. Select your pick accordingly.

Guesstimate the correct size for your pads – Roughly measure your underwear widthwise from where you place the disposable pad. Pads should be as wide as your panties. If length is important to you, measure the size of your preferred disposables and select cloth pads accordingly.

Buy a few trial Pads – Similar to the trials you may have done with the disposables, select out different pads from each of the brands and buy a few different styles, sizes, and patterns. This is a good way to test the capacities, and figure out which kind you like the best.

Stock up on your favorite pads – After doing a few trials from each brand compare it with your requirements and the Cost. They range from economic to very expensive. Generally, you get what you pay for. Decide on your budget and buy the needful.

Buy other requirements – If you are happy making an Eco-friendly switch, you may also like to gift yourself a separate bucket, essential oil for dipping along with your purchases. This option is completely on your discreet (Recommended but not mandatory).

Other options – If you find Cloth pads too expensive and you are handy with a needle and thread it is advisable to consider making your own reusable pads at home.

Remember – Usage of Cloth Pads is no rocket science, it is very easy and women have been handling it since ancient time. Cloth Pads apart from being environment friendly also ensures that your body is not exposed to any harmful toxic or chemicals as those in disposables.